Original Pancake House

5518 University Ave, Madison - 53705
673 reviews
Breakfast
(608) 231-3666

Great for what it's trying to be. Basic place with a variety of breakfast food. Not fancy but with nice staff. Interestingly I'd say the portions were huge with the exception of the pancakes. The normal order of 3 is a good size, just not huge. Glad I got a side of sausage links. Parking was difficult and I had to wait for a spot as the lot is only just big enough. I highly recommend the restaurant start using an online reservation system.

This place was such a fun surprise! Never been and had no idea what to expect. Super fast service, though depending on your arrival you may need to wait a while for a table. Coffee never stops coming, more pancake choices than any normal human needs, random fun music performances, and all of this at the most reasonable prices I’ve paid for breakfast in a long time. Highly recommend!

One of the best places to eat in Madison. I love the buckwheat pancakes, the potato pancakes, and the breakfast burrito (burrito with only veggies, for me).Friendly and fun staff are always making rounds with fresh, hot, and good coffee. Very attentive and affordable.Super busy at almost all hours, in my experience. Plan to wait around for a table!

My boyfriend’s childhood favorite family restaurant! We had 40 minutes waiting but it worth it ?

This is my favorite place to get breakfast! I really enjoyed the coconut pancakes and the tropical syrup it comes with. I also really appreciate that for $5 you get a huge portion of hash browns! The restaurant has a great atmosphere and everyone working there are so kind and considerate. I usually skip breakfast but I can’t help but always crave the food here! Can’t wait to go back

Our experience is: Parking could be up to 10 min wait when busy (like today) but we usually find it immediately. We got there before noon and left well after 1pm & they were still with plenty of patrons. Looks clean upon entering, they have a waiting area with benches. Inside you see staff cleaning all surfaces before sitting even if someone sat there for a minute without eating (like today). Staff is friendly and accommodating (baby, strollers, wheelchairs). Menu is varied and portions are generous. The pancakes are very good and the omelets are fluffy. They have several bottled sauces like Cholula in addition to house salsa. Coffee is good and promptly refilled. Creamer is the real Half & Half served in a metallic server. English & spanish is spoken. Ordering online is available. Besides cash, they do take credit cards & personal checks. We've been there before & will certainly visit them again. From 1 to 10, this place is a 9.

This place has AMAZING food! I can't wait to go back! Their bacon is thick cut, orange juice is freshly squeezed, and the Dutch Baby is highly recommended! The staff we had were so friendly. I really enjoyed this place.

Absolutely delicious breakfast. First time there and the six of us loved our meals. Great service, friendly, clean, and quite quick for as busy as they were. The food was amazing and portions were huge. We all ordered something different and everything was delicious. A must stop at next time in Madison! Thank you for a great start to our day!

Mmmmmm! Still got the nummiest breakfasts! And Great service.

Always good and delicious food. Definitely your breakfast/lunch to go.Just make sure to arrive with patience and not super hungry because normally you have to wait to get a table, they are busy all the time but totally worth it!!